Edward E Elko

Dr. Edward “Ed” Edmund Elko, 92 died Wednesday, January 10, 2024 after a heart attack. Dr. Elko found joy each day even after his Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2020 through his faith and in helping others until his last day. He would always tell you, the first thing he did every morning when he woke up as to tell God,” Thank you for giving me another day.”

FUNERAL SERVICES – Per Dr. Elko’s wishes, there will be no funeral. A private immediate family Catholic burial will however be held.

MEMORIALS. In lieu of flowers, Dr. Elko desired donations be given to the Dr. Edward E. Elko Endowment at the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) Foundation 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd. Fort Worth TX 76107 ATTN Kimerly A. Russell Executive Director UNTHSC Foundation. https://www.unthsc.edu/give/give-now/ (SELECT: Edward E Elko Endowed Scholarship under “DESIGNATION”)

Ed, son of Charles & Victoria Elko, was born in the borough of Dupont, Pennsylvania on July 1, 1931. After serving in the Army, he earned a BS in Biology and a PhD in Pharmacology/Physiology. His career began at the University of Tennessee teaching Pharmacy, Physiology, and Cardiovascular Physiology. He taught dental, nursing, medical, and pharmacy pharmacology at UT. In the late 1970s he relocated to Arlington, Texas to teach at Texas Osteopathic College of Medicine (TCOM) now UNTHSC. He was a beloved professor and administrator there growing the college. His career was renowned for mentoring many students. Upon retirement, Dr. Elko was awarded the rank of Professor Emeritus, and the following year, he was the recipient of the Mary E. Luibel Distinguished Service Award. He remained active even in retirement, serving as an accreditation site visitor for U.S. colleges of osteopathic medicine. In 2011, the Elko Advisory College was named after him. Dr. Elko also volunteered his time at HSC Health after retirement. In 2021, TCOM announced the creation of the Dr. Edward E. Elko Endowed Scholarship to coincide with his 90th birthday. He was honored to have several of his former students care for him later in his life.

Ed loved God; attending mass both weekly and daily (said he felt like he was in heaven attending mass); saying the rosary daily often 4-5 times a day; football; doing mission work each week until he fell at 92; gardening (he mowed his own grass until 89); feeding and watching the birds; swinging on his swing with his neighbor Jim; paying it forward to others whether small or large; his antique business; and of all his family. As he aged and his Alzheimer’s disease progressed during the last months of his life, his world shrunk but he still loved his FOX news, football, family, and most of all his faith. Until his last days, he was happy, with his family and thanking the Lord for giving him another day.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Sue Powers Elko and one grandchild. Survivors include four children and their spouses - Teresa (Tom) Duell; Cissy (Jerry) Sylo; Gregory (Annie) Elko; KAE (Richard) McCrory, seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.